Any track runners out there?

[erikiksaz]

Just a quick question: How do you set your blocks, in respect to the starting line? What i've been taught was to set your blocks one foot behind the line, then your power foot 3 feet behind the line, and the other 2 feet. Is that the correct distance? And, do your heels touch the foot pads? I've heard that it's necessary for you to get a good push out of the blocks, but i've only had the balls of my feet on the pad.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Wowzer. It's been many moons since I ran track and I really wasn't very good although I gave it my best.

I would say springing from the balls of your feet would give you a better "push off" than coming off your heels.

Others will probably have better info.

 

[ChinamanatNCSU]

I only ran cross country so never had to use blocks, but after thinking about it some answers seem common sense, though I could be wrong.

I don't know how far to set the blocks, but I found this, which gives some tips. Plus, I thought you'd have your stronger, more dominant foot closer, because isn't that what you want to push off with?
As for heels touching the foot pads, I don't think heels come into play much anywhere in sprinting. Take flats or other sprinting shoes- there's hardly any material in the heel, while there's spikes and stuff in the front of the shoe. If you look at a picture of a runner in the starting block position, I'm pretty sure they just have the balls of their feet touching, becuase that's where you're pushing off.
Hope this helps, I know I learned some stuff 🙂

 

[Kelvrick]

Don't know about the starting block stuff. I did cross-country and long jumping and mid-distand *quarter mile* so I didn't even use the blocks much. I just did the 100-200 when we were short on runners. I'm right handed and have my left leg closer to the line and push off of that. I also jump off my left.

Hope it helps.